Eye-Tracking Robot Remote Control for Low-Stress Teleoperation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot control systems require complex operations, leading to operator stress and difficulty in controlling avatar robots effectively.

Innovation Solution

A robot remote control system utilizing a human-machine interface with an eye tracker and processor to determine target positions based on an operator's sightline and operation intention, allowing for simple control commands through a wearable display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional mouse or VR controller is used to control avatar robot, then robot can be controlled to move to instructed position, but operator feels stressed and operation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcontrol interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical control interfaces (mouse, VR controller with buttons and levers) with an eye-tracking based control system. The eye tracker detects the operator's gaze direction and the processor determines operation intentions based on gaze patterns, substituting mechanical input devices with optical detection and algorithmic interpretation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the operator to control the robot simply by looking at the desired direction without manual manipulation. The eye tracker automatically detects gaze direction and the processor automatically determines movement commands, making the operator's natural visual attention the control input mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If many buttons or levers are provided for robot control, then robot can be precisely controlled, but operator feels more stressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidoperator stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple mechanical control elements (buttons, levers) with an eye-tracking based control system. The eye tracker detects precise gaze direction and the processor interprets gaze patterns to determine operation intentions, achieving precise control without requiring multiple physical controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter from manual button/lever positions to eye gaze direction and movement patterns. By monitoring changes in gaze parameters over time, the system determines the operator's intended operations with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If avatar robot is made to autonomously understand outside situation and move to instructed position, then robot can avoid obstacles, but operator still feels troubled in operating mouse or VR controller

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot autonomous navigationVSAvoidcontrol interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical control interface (mouse or VR controller) with an eye-tracking based system. The autonomous navigation capability is maintained while the control method is fundamentally changed from manual manipulation to gaze-based intention recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The eye tracker and processor act as intermediaries between the operator and the robot control system. Instead of directly manipulating mechanical controls, the operator's gaze is captured by the eye tracker and translated by the processor into robot commands, simplifying the interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4706906A1Robot remote control system, robot remote control method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4706906A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4706906A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4706906A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The robot remote control system includes a control device controlling a robot and an HMI used by an operator when remotely controlling the robot. The HMI displays a video of surroundings of the robot on a display, detects a sightline or the like of the operator using an eye tracker, estimates an operation intention of the operator, and transmits sightline data indicating the detected sightline or the like and operation data indicating the estimated operation intention of the operator to the control device. The control device determines a target position of the robot on the basis of the sightline data and the operation data received from the HMI and moves the robot to the target position.